Planning for Smoky Mountain family vacations is a big task. This is where you take the time to create the best travel experience possible for the ones you love. However, it is not as intimidating as you may initially think. In fact, it can be pretty easy.
That is why we have put together a list of the top Smoky Mountain family vacations planning tips nobody took the time to tell you about.
1. Easier Than You Think
The first thing you need to know about planning Smoky Mountain family vacations is that it is a lot easier than you think. We understand how you may feel intimidated with all of the decisions you have to make. However, once you get into the swing of things, the planning process is really a breeze.
All you have to figure out is where you want to stay, what you want to do, and when you want to travel. Once you have answered those three questions, you can begin to build out your planning list to include things like what you need to pack and whether or not you will be able to cook your own meals or not.
2. Book Direct
The next advice we have to simplify the planning process for Smoky Mountain family vacations is to explain the benefits of booking your lodging rental directly from the cabin rental company. Not only does booking your cabin direct help you build a relationship with the cabin company to ensure you are more than just a reservation number, it simplifies the process if the unlikely event of an issue occurs during your stay.
Plus, the cabin rental company is the best source to find any last minute deals or Pigeon Forge cabin specials you and your loved ones can take advantage of during your stay. Also, because they are located in the area you plan on traveling to, you can count on them to give quality suggestions of good places to eat or attractions to visit while you are here.
3. Travel Mid-Week or During the Off-Season
A secret to saving money during Smoky Mountain family vacations is to plan your trip mid-week or during the off-season. Yes, this will require you to take off more time from work to get away for the trip, but it will be well worth it in the long run.
For starters, lodging prices are cheaper during the week than they are on weekends and around holidays. Meaning, you and your family can save money by moving your trip forward a couple of days.
Another benefit is you won’t have to worry about heavy traffic in the area because it is not a peak travel time. There are not as many other families visiting the area during these times as there are on the weekends or during peak season.
4. When It Comes To Packing, Less Is More
The biggest mistake we see families make when they plan for Smoky Mountain family vacations is overpacking. Trust us, you don’t need seven pairs of shoes, three sweaters, and your entire jewelry collection for one weekend in the Smokies. In fact, you need about a quarter of that, if not less.
Although it may not seem like packing a few extra outfits will make a big difference during your trip, you have to think about all of the time and effort packing those extra pieces take before and after your trip. Not only do you have to make sure they are clean and ready to go before you leave, you have to unpack them when you arrive at your cabin, and you have to wash them and put them away when you get home. One or two articles of clothing are not that bad. However, when you add in five to ten extra pieces for each member of your family, you are looking at several loads of laundry waiting for you to get home.
If you need tips on how to pack successfully for your Smoky Mountain family vacations, click here.
5. Keep A Flexible Itinerary
Last, but not least, we want to remind you how important a flexible itinerary is to Smoky Mountain family vacations. Yes, you want to map out all of the fun activities you and your loved ones want to enjoy during your trip, but it is good to leave a little wiggle room in case something comes up. You never know, you could decide at the last minute you want to go ride go-karts instead of going shopping.
If you allow yourself to maintain a flexible itinerary, you will be more likely to keep a positive attitude no matter what happens during your trip. This will lead to a better experience overall.
If you enjoyed reading this, check out our blog about 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Smoky Mountain Family Vacations.
